John McCain's recovery from surgery just complicated the Senate's Obamacare repeal vote

However, the bill faces an uncertain passage in the 100-member Senate, where Republicans have a very narrow majority - 52 to 48.

GOP Sen. Susan Collins of ME and Sen.

"We have no choice [but] to try to come to the rescue of the millions of people who are being failed as a result of the problems with Obamacare, and yes, unfortunately it's become a partisan issue", Senator John Cornyn of Texas, the No. 2 Republican leader, said Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press".

McConnell made the decision to delay consideration of the bill due to McCain's absence. A statement from his office had indicated that he would be out this week, but neurosurgeons not involved with McCain's surgery said the recovery period for such a procedure was often longer.

Thanks to @MayoClinic for its excellent care - I appreciate your support & look forward to getting back to work!

McConnell said the Senate would continue legislative work while McCain was away.

The White House is wishing Sen.

A number of other Republicans including Senators Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, Dean Heller of Nevada, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Rob Portman of OH, have also expressed serious reservations about the bill in its current form.

The GOP's prospect for advancing health care legislation is already on the brink.

"The leader has not announced a date" for the Senate to take up the legislation, said an aide to McConnell.

The criticism of Cruz's provision was lodged in a rare joint statement by America's Health Care Plans and the BlueCross BlueShield Association.

The bill also seeks to win the support of senators from OH and West Virginia by putting in more money for opioid addiction treatment, and boosting state subsidies for Florida, Louisiana and other red states. "And they would have a very hard time even staying in existence".

The Senate lacked the will to debate the House-passed bill to replace Obamacare.

McCain's office on Saturday said the longtime Arizona senator would be recovering in his home state for the following week. This addition could bring down costs for some, but has caused contention with some moderate senators because it could hurt those with pre-existing conditions. Doctors had advised McCain to recover in Arizona this week.

Tens of thousands of people in Arizona have gained coverage through the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, and Mr. McCain was planning to propose amendments to the bill to protect his constituents. The Congressional Budget Office will score the bill, meaning it will say how many people will be hurt by the cuts in government subsidies and coverage cuts, and how many will benefit from tax cuts and other giveaways.

"We also firmly believe that the dedicated funding included in the bill to address the cost of plans that cover people with pre-existing medical conditions is insufficient and additional funding will not make the provision workable for consumers or taxpayers", the lobbying groups said in their letter.